Antibiotic use reduced by over 12% in the Netherlands

In 2010, the Netherlands reduced its antibiotic use for livestock with over 12%, according to sales figures by companies that are part of FIDIN (producers and importers of animal drugs).

According to FIDIN, these figures are in line with the aim of the Dutch government to reduce the antibiotic use by 20% in 2011, compared to 2009. In 2013, the reduction compared to 2009 should be 50%. The total sold volume of antibiotics in 2010 was 455 tonnes. Since 2007, a reduction is being seen.

In 2011, the new veterinary information system VetCIS, will allow insight into the use and number of daily doses per sector and per kilogram of weight.